Even the best-laid Christmas plans can go awry, and there's good news for shoppers looking to snag last-minute gifts, ornaments or essential decor items.
Several large grocery stores, fast food restaurants and pharmacies will be open today.
Although some have modified opening hours, it is important to check your local store's opening hours.
has created the ultimate guide to the major supermarkets and retailers open today:
Costco
Costco stores will close today (Christmas Eve) at 5:30 p.m.
For last minute Christmas bargains, big box warehouses are open on Christmas Eve from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Although hours may vary by location, it is important to check local hours.
Goal
Target will be open today (Christmas Eve) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then reopen on December 26th
For last-minute shopping, most Target stores are open on Christmas Eve from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
However, it is important to double check local opening times as these may vary across the country.
Make sure you get it done before today's closure as stores will then be closed on Christmas Day and will not reopen until December 26th.
Walmart
Walmart closes today (Christmas Eve) at 6 p.m. and will not reopen until December 26th
For anyone in desperate need of last-minute essentials from your local Walmart, today is your last chance to go there.
The retailer will close at 6pm on Christmas Eve and remain closed until Boxing Day, when it will reopen at 6am.
It is one of the very few days of the year when the shops are completely closed.
Kroger
Kroger stores are closing early today (Christmas Eve).
Most Kroger stores close early on Christmas Eve, although this may vary by store department and location.
Most shops will then remain closed on Christmas Day and reopen on Boxing Day to welcome customers back.
Macy's
Macy's stores are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but locations may vary
For last-minute gifts or outfits, customers can stop by Macy's until 7 p.m.
Stores are open today from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but locations may vary. Therefore, it is important to check online before your trip.
CVS
CVS will be open as usual today (Christmas Eve), however some stores may close early
On Christmas Eve, CVS pharmacy locations will be open during normal hours.
However, some locations that are not open 24 hours a day may experience reduced hours or holiday closures.
Customers are encouraged to call ahead or check local hours online to ensure they are not disappointed.
Walgreens
The chain will be open as usual on Christmas Eve
The chain will be open during regular hours on Christmas Eve, but pharmacy hours vary by location.
It is important to check online before your trip.
Meier
Some Meijer stores will close early today
Meijer stores are closing early today, but local hours may vary.
On Christmas Eve the shops are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dunkin Donuts
Dunkin's hours vary by store, so customers will need to check online beforehand
Anyone in need of a sweet treat will have to do a little more research to find out if their local Dunkin' is open.
Dunkin' store hours vary by location. While some remain open, others remain closed.
The chain recommends checking a location's hours on the Dunkin' mobile app before visiting.
MC Donalds
McDonald's locations are open, but some may close early. It is therefore important to find out about the opening times locally
Those desperate to grab a quick bite before family events or just on a regular work day will be relieved to hear that McDonald's locations are open.
While their general policy is to remain open to customers, some stores will close early.
It is important to check local opening times to avoid disappointment.
Chick-Fil-A
Chick-Fil-A stores are closed today as it is Sunday
Chicken fans are out of luck on Christmas Eve as Chick-fil-A stores are closing their doors.
The restaurants are closed today as it is Sunday.
Chipotle
Chipotle will close early on Christmas Eve
Chipotle stores will close early on Christmas Eve.
According to a brand representative, the restaurants will close today at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Cracker barrel
Cracker Barrel stores will close this morning at 2 p.m
The Cracker Barrel restaurant chain is closing its doors early on Christmas Eve.
The chain closes shortly after lunch at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Starbucks
Starbucks will remain open on Christmas Eve
Spending time with family or working during the holidays can be a tiring affair and those who need a caffeine boost can head to Starbucks as many Starbucks locations are open.
Their hours vary – the company notes that “stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs.”
During the holiday season, it's best to check online with your local store in advance.